Leptospermum 'Horizontalis'

Leptospermum continentale 'Horizontalis'

ORIGIN:Leptospermum 'Horizontalis' is a form of L. continentale
collected from heathland near Portland, Victoria in 1967. The selection was
made by Austraflora Nurseries of Montrose. The name refers to the low-growing
"flat-topped" habit of the shrub. The cultivar was first received by the Authority
in November 1985. Registration was applied for by Austraflora Nurseries Pty
Ltd.

DESCRIPTION: This selection grows from 0.9 to 1.2m tall by 2-3m wide. It has a very dense habit. The foliage is a dull green in colour. The flowers are white and from 15-20mm across. The flowering season is spring.

DIAGNOSIS:Leptospermum 'Horizontalis' differs from the more
typical form of the species by its low spreading habit. The typical form is
upright. The leaf width of 4mm is generally broader than typical L. continentale
(ca. 2mm).

CULTIVATION HISTORY: It is highly probable that material of this selection
has been collected on a number of occasions by different people. Collections
could also have been made from different localities. L. continentale
'Horizontalis' was released by Austraflora Nursery in 1968 under the name L.
juniperinum 'Horizontalis'. This form has often been confused with L.
scoparium. It has also been sold under the name Leptospermum 'Portlandii'
(Wrigley & Fagg in "Australian Native Plants" 1979 page 247)

CULTIVATION NOTES: Leptospermum'Horizontalis' is a desirable
garden plant, especially when used as a taller ground covering species. It is
hardy in most soils and aspects, and is drought hardy and frost tolerant. It
can be used for cut flowers and foliage. Propagation must be by vegetative means
to preserve the cultivar form. The cultivar is attractive to seed eating birds.

OTHER NOTES: According to the International Code of Nomenclature
for Cultivated Plants a cultivar name published on or after the 1st January
1959 must not be in latin form (Article 27A). However, this cultivar has been
widely grown and promoted under the name'Horizontalis'. It would create
confusion if such a well-known and widely grown cultivar was renamed at this
stage and would appear reasonable to retain the name most commonly used in the
horticultural industry.